Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas

ABSTRACT

This invention is used in swimming pools, water and recreation areas to minimise the risks of accidents and contusions due to slips or falls of bathers, sportsmen or users through the use of a product made up of various configurations of a support or rigid base ( 1 ) of cement, ceramic, porcelain material, or other construction material, and an elastic cover ( 2 ) of plastic material—polyolefin, silicones, polyurethanes, natural and artificial rubbers, or other types of polymers, combined between themselves or not—with elastic mechanical properties on straight, curved or angular borders of swimming pools, and with waterproof, antiskid, hygienic, aesthetic and/or signage effects.

TECHNICAL SECTION

The invention protected in this Utility Model, consists in a safetyledge made up of two parts: a rigid base based on cement extrusion, oron ceramic, metal or plastic material, and an elastic cover affixed tosaid base in order to encircle the perimeter of swimming pools and waterand recreation areas, and to minimise, thanks to it, the risk ofaccidents and contusions due to impacts.

BACKGROUND ART

At present, various protection and safety mechanisms are already knownand are in place against accidents involving hitting ledges or slippingin areas of stationary or moving water but all of these includedisadvantages both operational and cosmetic as well as functional,particularly because no simple and adequate technical means exist forall types of use or operation, whether they are recreational (swimmingpools, play areas in aquatic parks, etc. . . . ) therapeutic (spas andbaths) or industrial (agricultural irrigation or hydroelectricreservoirs or ponds). Further, the use of media already developedpresents a number of limitations with respect to the invention beingpresented which is more versatile. Thus, while already known asprotection or safety features on swimming pools, inventions published inSpain relating to collapsible swimming pools, such as Utility ModelES1036807 by TORRENTE INDUSTRIAL for a Protection adaptable to the hardedges of collapsible swimming pools (1998), Patent ES2257133 byCERAMICAS SUGRAÑES for a group of parts for the construction of theupper edge and culvert in overflowing swimming pools (2006), or PatentES2170012 by SEVYLOR INTERNATIONAL for a swimming pool's edge profile(2002).

In other countries inventions have already been published which, in asimilar manner to the Spanish inventions mentioned above, emphasizeaspects of control and drainage of overflowing water, or the protectionof hard parts of collapsible swimming pools. Thus for example U.S. Pat.No. 4,980,934 by DAHOWSKI (1991) for an indicator of swimming poolledges with fibre optic illumination, a prefabricated swimming poolPatent IT940058 by BUSSATA (1994), or English inventions GB190504369 byMAX WOLFF (1905), GB328775 by AUGUSTE VICTOR KELLER (1930), andGB2171599 by SPENCER BAYLEY (1985), relating to edge profileconfigurations for ponds and swimming pools.

All these, as well as all other inventions prior to the invention beingpresented, are based on very different applications, uses or functionsand as inventions all include functional and operational limitations,and as such are different from the design of this invention.

Technical Problem

One of the principal challenges in the design of swimming pools, tanks,ponds, irrigation reservoirs or water storage tanks is not only the merefact that they contain a liquid element. It is also to ensure that saiddesigns and inventive concepts satisfy the requirements of recreation,game, sport or work activities that take place in their vicinity andthat they resolve issues before accidental slips occur in overflowingswimming pools, in which the water remains on top of the ledge as itoverflows into an external gutter; as well as in skimmer type swimmingpools, in which the level of water remains below the ledge.

The variety of uses that can require the control of water means that infixed and permanent facilities a multitude of activities and actors areinvolved: swimming pool users, sport swimmers, maintenance and cleaningoperators, teaching instructors, first-aiders, crop and livestockfarmers, construction operators, etc., whether it is stationary ormoving water and regardless of their source, from basins, publicsupplies or private wells.

But in all these uses, said functions are not except from a risk offalls or slips of the users or workers which may have fatal consequencesfor them. As a result, this invention has been designed with the aim tominimising and reducing the risk of accidental falls, of bruises againstthe ledges while nearing, entering or exiting such swimming pools, pondsor reservoirs, and at the end of the day with the aim of providing ameasure of protection and safety to such environments of watercontainment.

Further, the risk of accidents increases exponentially when the edgesare glazed to achieve an aesthetic effect, or when the passage of timeerodes the ledges used. This is in addition to the normal wear and tear,the lack of cleanliness or maintenance that encourages the appearance ofmould or seaweeds in some areas, or on the contrary because of a processof excessive cleaning, in which chemical products or abrasive cleaningtools may remove the components adherent to the ledges that wereinstalled initially.

Technical Solution

Through the use of two technical media: A base of cement, ceramic,porcelain or plastic material or any other construction material of arigid quality used as support or base. And an elastomeric cover orsleeve fitted over that support to reduce the disadvantages stated.

Likewise, the elastic cover features an overlay on one of its sides,over the section that is being used to contain the water, whilepresenting on its lower part a few longitudinal projections (whose aimis to act as a system of fitting mechanism onto the rigid base). In itscomposition this cover can contain substances that intensify itsidentification and localisation, as well as safety features (colouring,waterproof additives, adherent additives, fungicides, weed-repellents,etc. . . . ).

Advantageous Effects

Without a doubt, the principal function of this invention is to offer amedium of prevention and safety against accidents, and in particular ameasure of protection against bruises or impacts in the event of anaccident. However a number of other complementary benefits also exist inaddition to this advantage.

In fact, this contribution also facilitates a medium of prevention andsafety for risks of work accidents, as well as compliance with theSpanish technical standard relating to the standardisation of swimmingpools, and in particular with regard to sports equipment and aquaticattractions (UNE-EN standard 13451-2001, 2004) that have specific safetyrequirements.

Finally, the cover can present benefits in terms of information oradvertising since it can easily be replaced for aesthetic reasons, or inorder to be used as advertising or signage platform.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the general characteristics mentionedabove, the present invention is accompanied by various drawings thatillustrate specifications as follows:

FIG. 1: View of a group composed of a rigid base (1), and an elasticcover (2).

FIG. 2: Sectional view of a group composed of a rigid base (1), and anelastic cover (2) installed on the ledge of the basin of a swimmingpool—of so-called skimmer type—or pond.

FIG. 3: Sectional view of a group composed of a rigid base (1), and anelastic cover (2) installed on the ledge of a swimming pool or pond—ofso-called overflowing type, inside the basin of the swimming pool orpond, with culvert or draining gutter (3) and grate (4).

FIG. 4: Orthogonal and perspective views of a rigid base (1), with itslongitudinal fastening grooves in the feet of the cover (5).

FIG. 5: Orthogonal and perspective views of an elastic cover (2) with anascending overlay (8) and its supporting feet (6).

FIG. 6: Sectional view of a group composed of a piece of rigid base (1),with the longitudinal fastening grooves in the feet of the cover (5)symmetrical with its longitudinal central surface in order to allowfitting on a piece of elastic cover (2) with an ascending overlay (8)and its supporting feet (6), and support for culvert grates inoverflowing swimming pools (7).

FIG. 7: Two projection views of a group joined solidarily by a piece ofrigid base (1), with its longitudinal fastening grooves in the feet ofthe cover (5) in the shape of a dovetail—symmetrical with itslongitudinal central surface in order to permit fitting in onedirection, as in the opposite direction, by a piece of elastic cover (2)with an ascending overlay (8) and supporting feet (6), and support forculvert grates in overflowing swimming pools (7).

FIG. 8: Orthogonal and perspective views of a piece of elastic cover (2)with an ascending overlay (8) and supporting feet (6) and support forculvert grates in overflowing swimming pools (7).

FIG. 9: Sectional view of a piece of an elastic cover (2) with anascending overlay (8) and supporting feet (6), and support for culvertgrates in overflowing swimming pools (7).

FIG. 10: Combined view of a piece of rigid base (1), with itslongitudinal fastening grooves in the feet of the cover (5) in the shapeof a dovetail, and of a piece of elastic cover (2) with an ascendingoverlay (8) and support for culvert grates in overflowing swimming pools(7) interlaced with other pieces with identical characteristics forminga separation or transversal gasket (9), variable in width depending onthe length of the swimming pool or pond, and on the number of coversincorporated over the rigid bases.

FIG. 11: Plan view of a piece of rigid base (1) cut in a rectangularshape in order to create right-angle outlines, and a piece of rigid base(1) cut in a trapeze shape for curved outlines.

FIG. 12: Plan view a set of pieces of rigid bases (1) cut in trapezeshapes to form a curve.

FIG. 13: Orthogonal and perspective views of an elastic cover (2) withits overlay for skimmer type swimming pools with curved edges.

FIG. 14: Orthogonal and perspective view of an elastic cover (2) withits overlay for overflowing swimming pools with curved edges.

FIG. 15: Orthogonal and perspective view of an elastic cover (2) with arectangular corner with its overlay (10), its supporting feet (6) forskimmer type swimming pools.

FIG. 16: Orthogonal and perspective views of an elastic cover (2) of arectangular corner piece with its overlay (10), its supporting feet (6),and support for culvert grates in overflowing swimming pools (7) foroverflowing swimming pools.

FIG. 17: View of a piece of rigid base (1), cut in order to form arectangular corner piece and to form the beginning and end section of acurve.

FIG. 18: Front and perspective views of a set of rigid bases (1) of arectangular shape and combined between themselves to form a continuousdeck, creating a protective elastic floor both extendable andupgradeable

FIG. 19: Orthogonal and perspective views of a flat elastic cover (2).

FIG. 20: Perspective view of a swimming pool's ledge with its extensioninto a deck of flat elastic covers (2).

FIG. 21: Perspective view of a deck extension with pieces of rigid bases(1) and flat elastic covers (2) for water and recreation areas.

FIG. 22: Orthogonal and perspective views of a piece of rigid base withculvert or draining gutter (12) and its piece of elastic cover (13).

FIG. 23: Orthogonal and perspective views of a piece of rigid base withculvert or draining gutter (12) with longitudinal fastening grooves inthe feet of the elastic cover (5).

FIG. 24: Orthogonal and perspective views of a piece of elastic cover(13) with its supporting feet (6) for a piece of rigid base with culvertor draining gutter.

FIG. 25: Views of the lower part of a piece of elastic cover (13) withits supporting feet (6) for a piece of rigid base with culvert ordraining gutter.

FIG. 26: Views of a piece of rigid base with culvert or draining gutterin a corner piece (14) and of its piece of elastic cover (15), and fixedwith the elastic cover's feet or projections (6) coupled to the groovesof the rigid base (5).

FIG. 27: Views of a piece of rigid base with culvert or draining gutterin a projecting piece (16) and of its piece of elastic cover (17) andfixed with the elastic cover's feet or projections (6) coupled to thegrooves of the rigid base (5).

FIGS. 22, 23, 26 and 27 are drawings of a complementary realisation onthe innovation of Patent ES2257133 by CERAMICAS SUGRAÑES on a group ofelements for the construction of the upper edge and culvert inoverflowing swimming pools (2006).

BEST MODE

The safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas, thelatter in areas in contact with water and dry areas, can be carried outand laid out in the following manner:

In accordance with the graphic illustration in FIG. 1, it relates to agroup constituted by a rigid base (1) of cement, ceramic, porcelain orplastic material or any other construction material, and an elasticcover (2) of plastic material—polyolefin, silicones, polyurethanes,natural and artificial rubbers, or other types of polymers, combined ornot—with elastic mechanical properties, that function as finish andcover.

Depending on the type of swimming pool or pond, tank or reservoir,overflowing or not, the invention concept is installed in the edge ofthe basin that contains the water—FIG. 2—or inside it—FIG. 3—and may becompleted with a culvert or draining gutter (3) and a grate (4).

One of the pieces, the support or rigid base of the ledge (1), consistsin a few longitudinal fastening grooves in the feet of the cover (5) inthe shape of a dovetail in which the cover's supporting feet are lodged(6) through projections or rhomboid feet that are part of the elasticcover (2) Alternatively, it can also have a rectangular structure—FIG.1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 18—forsquare or trapeze areas—FIG. 11 for curved areas—FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG.14, and FIG. 17—, or rectangular trapezes for corners—FIG. 15, FIG. 16,FIG. 26, and FIG. 27—.

Whereas the second piece, the elastic cover (2) is fixed with amechanical socket between the cover's support feet (6) and the grooves(5) in the shape of a dovetail which can be reinforced with glue oradhesive for square outlines—FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 5, FIG. 6,FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11—or corners and curves—FIG.13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, FIG. 26, and FIG. 27—.

Both pieces, the hardness of the ledge (1) and the elasticity of thecover (2) can be combined unlimitedly in both breadth and scale withsquare covers depending on the perimeter area of the swimming pools,ponds, tanks or reservoirs—FIG. 18, FIG. 20, and FIG. 21—to beinstalled, therefore transversal gaskets or separations are created thatcan be expanded or reduced to adjust to the size of thesurroundings—FIG. 10—.

The piece of the elastic cover can contain in its composition chemical,antibacterial, antifungal, antialgae, waterproof or antiskid substances.In addition to its ornamental or aesthetic potential on account of thecolouring agents or pigments that can be added as a dye duringmanufacture or other process, it may also be used as an informative,advertising or signage medium.

1. Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas tominimise risks of accidents and contusions consisting in a group made upof a support or rigid base (1) of cement, ceramic, porcelain or plasticmaterial or any other construction material, and an elastic cover (2) ofplastic material—polyolefin, silicones, polyurethanes, natural andartificial rubbers, or other types of polymers combined betweenthemselves or not—with elastic mechanical properties. This layerfunctions both as finish and cover.
 2. Safety ledge for swimming pools,water and recreation areas to minimise risks of accidents and contusionsin accordance with claim 1 consisting in a support or rigid base of theledge (1) in a rectangular structure, with some longitudinal fasteninggrooves in the feet of the cover (5) in the shape of a dovetail in whichto lodge the cover's supporting feet (6) via projections or rhomboidfeet that are part of the elastic cover (2).
 3. Safety ledge forswimming pools, water and recreation areas to minimise risks ofaccidents and contusions in accordance with claim 1 consisting in asupport or rigid base of the ledge (1) in a rectangular shape to beinstalled on the perimeter of straight swimming pools, with somelongitudinal fastening grooves in the feet of the cover (5) in the shapeof a dovetail in which to lodge the cover's supporting feet (6) viaprojections or rhomboid feet that are part of the elastic cover (2). 4.Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas to minimiserisks of accidents and contusions in accordance with claim 1 consistingin a support or rigid base of the ledge (1) in trapeze shape to beinstalled on the perimeter of curved swimming pools, with somelongitudinal fastening grooves in the feet of the cover (5) in the shapeof a dovetail in which to lodge the cover's supporting feet (6) viaprojections or rhomboid feet that are part of the elastic cover (2). 5.Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas to minimiserisks of accidents and contusions in accordance with claim 1 consistingin a support or rigid base of the ledge (1) in rectangular trapeze shapefor corners, with some longitudinal fastening grooves in the feet of thecover (5) in the shape of a dovetail in which to lodge the cover'ssupporting feet (6) via projections or rhomboid feet that are part ofthe elastic cover (2).
 6. Safety ledge for swimming pools, water andrecreation areas to minimise risks of accidents and contusions inaccordance with claim 1 consisting in an elastic cover (2) that isfastened via a mechanical socket between the support feet of the cover(6) and the grooves (5) in the shape of a dovetail, which can bereinforced with glue or adhesive for square outlines.
 7. Safety ledgefor swimming pools, water and recreation areas to minimise risks ofaccidents and contusions in accordance with claim 1 consisting in anelastic cover (2) that is fastened via a mechanical socket between thesupport feet of the cover (6) and the grooves (5) in the shape of adovetail, which can be reinforced with glue or adhesive for corneroutlines.
 8. Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areasto minimise risks of accidents and contusions in accordance with claim 1consisting in an elastic cover (2) that is fastened via a mechanicalsocket between the support feet of the cover (6) and the grooves (5) inthe shape of a dovetail, which can be reinforced with glue or adhesivefor curved outlines.
 9. Safety ledge to minimise risks of accidents andcontusions in swimming pools, water and recreation areas in accordancewith claim 1 to 8 consisting in the final addition of a culvert ordraining gutter (3) and a grate (4).
 10. Safety ledge for swimmingpools, water and recreation areas for an unlimited combination in termsof extension and width of surfaces in accordance with claim 1 to 9consisting in the possibility of the rigid pieces of the ledge (1) andthe elastic component of the cover (2) to be combined with straightcovers.
 11. Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areasfor a dry technique and aesthetic effect in accordance with claim 1 to10 consisting in the possibility of the elastic part of the cover (2) tocontain waterproof chemical substances in its composition.
 12. Safetyledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas for a securitytechnical effect in accordance with claim 1 to 11 consisting in thepossibility of the elastic part of the cover (2) to contain antiskidchemical substances in its composition.
 13. Safety ledge for swimmingpools, water and recreation areas for an hygienic technical effect inaccordance with claim 1 to 12 consisting in the possibility of theelastic part of the cover (2) to contain antibacterial, antifungal andantialgae chemical substances in its composition.
 14. Safety ledge tominimise risks of accidents and contusions in swimming pools, water andrecreation areas for an aesthetic and/or signage effect in accordancewith claim 1 to 13 consisting in the possibility of the elastic part ofthe cover (2) to contain colouring chemical substances in itscomposition.